Summer is the best time to visit Salzburg. July to be specific is when the weather and the activities really heat up. You should not miss the summer festival in the city, which is a mix of world-class opera and classic music, Mozart aficionados mixing with Sound of Music day-trippers. Just outside the city limits, tourists should discover the quirky performances such as the miners’ sword dance known as Schwerttanz in the town of Hallein, or the ceremonial pole-carrying event, Prangstangen. The mountains and lakes around Salzburg are a spectacular setting for summer swims, hikes and bikes.
Salzburg is an Austrian city on the German border, with views of the Eastern Alps. It’s known as the birthplace of Mozart and was the setting for the film “The Sound of Music.” The city is divided by the Salzach River, with medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on its left bank, and 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on the right.
Linzer Gasse is one of the oldest and best-known streets in Salzburg. Visitors who want to enjoy a breathtaking view over the city of Salzburg should head to the top of the Kapuzinerberg Mountain right next to the Linzer Gasse. Although the path is quite steep, the view is fantastic. Those like me who don’t like the effort involved in climbing up the mountain can take a comfortable seat on the roof terrace at Hotel Stein.
If you are a fan of old films, then you must book the famous “Sound of Music” tour where you can enjoy a day trip touring the spectacular landscapes and locations where the famous musical was filmed. The English-speaking guide not only shows you the highlights of the film, but also the historical and architectural landmarks in the city, as well as a part of the picturesque Lake District.
There are many things to do and to see in this beautiful city, below are some of the most interesting activities and sight seeing:
Salzburg’s Old Town, it is a typical European town, small in size and big in sights with some great stories and histories behind it. This area is great for long walks, both sides of the river have their own charm and the bridges and river are very nice. Be sure to take the funicular up to the fort. The views are stunning from up there. The old town is packed with cafes, restaurants and shops where you can enjoy, chill and explore.
Don’t miss taking a ride on Fiaker Salzburg, horse and carriage, it can take up to five people on a tour for approximately 20-25 minute ride around the old city. The ride might be costly, but it is worth taking.
Salzburg is Mozart’s birthplace; many locals celebrate this life with food, music and history.
The Makartplatz with Mozart’s residence and its interesting museum is located parallel to the Linzer Gasse. Here you can enjoy a short break at the Café Classic. Before you walk on the other side of the Salzach River you should definitely visit the Mirabell garden, which is located right opposite Mozart’s residence. In springtime the beautiful garden from the 17th century is full of colorful plants. Enjoy a walk through the old town of Salzburg.
Salzburg chocolatier Paul Fürst invented the Mozartkugel “Mozart ball” in 1890 and named it after his city’s most famous son. The pistachio, marzipan and nougat core is coated in milk chocolate and until today handmade in the Konditorei Fürst at Alter Markt square. Much cheaper and almost as tasty are numerous other brands of Mozartkugel, sold everywhere in Salzburg — if not Austria.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg’s most famous son, was born in this bright-yellow townhouse in 1756 and spent the first 17 years of his life here. Today’s museum harbors a collection of instruments, documents and portraits. Highlights include the mini violin he played as a toddler, plus a lock of his hair and buttons from his jacket.
You cannot visit Salzburg without touring The Salzburg Fortress, English for Festung Hohensalzburg, it overlooks the whole city and can be seen from all kinds of angles. Fortress Hohensalzburg is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe and is a real eye-catcher peaking out high above the baroque towers of the city. The castle in Salzburg is an unmistakable landmark providing the city’s world famous silhouette. Even from afar the visitor is able to appreciate the might of this edifice. Up close the history contained in these powerful walls is almost tangible.
You can take a long hike up there or use a “festungs bahn,” cable car from the bottom of the hill up all the way to the fort. The ride is worth taking and a great opportunity to take photos from the top. The fortress itself is moderately sized, easily walkable, and has interesting exhibits. You can take the audio-guided tour, which will take you about 25 minutes in total. The audio tour is highly recommended and comes in different language, you will be going back into history and learn about the different stages of development through different centuries. You will be able to walk around and visit some other rooms, the torture chamber, views of the dungeon, and a climb up a tower. The view from the roof of the tower is magnificent.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens is also an interesting sight. You cannot visit the garden without your camera, every scenery is just picture perfect. Don’t miss the gnomes’ garden right next to the palace, you will fall in love with the Sound of Music soundtrack playing in the back where you will find many tourists dancing and running to the music. Different flowers in a variety of colors and sizes, they are all perfectly arranged and very well taken care of. The statues around the fountain also perfectly suit the surroundings.
Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich had this splendid palace built for his mistress Salome Alt in 1606. Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, of Schloss Belvedere fame, gave it a baroque makeover in 1721. The lavish Marmorsaal (Marble Hall), replete with stucco, marble and frescoes, is free to visit and provides a sublime backdrop for evening chamber concerts.
Salzburg Zoo is a great visit for families with young children, where they will be fascinated with the animal selection at the zoo. Many different animals have found a new home at the Zoo in Hellbrunn in Salzburg, some endangered species among them. In all, more than 800 wild animals from 140 species live there. All those animals live in an environment close to their natural surroundings. One of the main goals of the zoo is to combine the beauty of the landscape of the Hellbrunn Mountain with the natural environment of the animals.
You must pass by the petting zoo where you can feed the animals yourself; this will keep the young family members occupied.
Pass by the farmers market, the city offers a number of them that sell agricultural products normally made in the region. Grünmarkt in front of the Kollegienkirche is one of them, held Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cheese, chocolate, breads, pastries, vegetables, fruits and of course, Mozartballs are all on offer.
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